Holdout has sale of ‘slum’ in limbo
THE sale of a notorious Manunda housing complex appears to have fallen through with at least one landlord not budging from a “ludicrous” price.
It is understood all bar one owner of the Plaza Palms complex on McLachlan St were set to sell their stakes in the property – described by Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch as a “slum.”
Real estate firm CBRE, understood to be handling the sale, would not comment on the negotiations between vendors and an as yet undisclosed buyer.
State Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the holdout landlord was asking “a ludicrous amount of money.”
“There was one vendor who knows how bad it is,” Mr Healy said. “If that owner turns around and says “I’ll sell”, it could be sold and be vacant by March 31 to be demolished.”
“People are making money out of that money, as bad as it is.”
However, proposed rental law reforms could prevent a future disaster of Plaza Palms proportions.
“We can’t just walk in and kick people out, the state does not have that capacity,” Mr Healy said.
The review of Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 proposes reforms to minimum housing standards for rental properties in Queensland, including security, the standard of repair, fixtures and fittings.
“A lot of this the council already have at their disposal – we are also recommending changes to ensure property owners and managers comply with the minimum standards.”
The sticking point remains the private ownership of the units at Plaza Palms – 68 units are now strata titled to about 25 different landlords with resultant complications for any potential bulk sale.
“I have asked council to waive the outstanding fees to assist a sale to go through,” Mr Healy said.
“Our goal is to see this knocked down and affordable housing units put in there.
A Cairns Regional Council spokesman confirmed its compliance team was in “regular communication with lot owners and the Body Corporate,” with inspections carried out “as required, based on complaints of noncompliance”.